St. Charles Campground

About

St. Charles Campground is a developed Forest Service campground located one mile west of Lake Isabel in the scenic Wet Mountains of southern Colorado. Situated at 8,600 feet elevation within San Isabel National Forest, the campground offers 15 non-electric campsites spread along St. Charles Creek. Ten sites are reservable through Recreation.gov while five remain first-come, first-served. The Lake Isabel Recreation Area was designed and constructed in the 1930s as a recreational haven. Lake Isabel is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, and an accessible lakeshore path provides ample fishing spots. Brook trout can be found in St. Charles Creek running through the campground. Only non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake. Hiking and motorized trail access is a major draw. The Snowslide Trail and Cisneros Trail begin nearby, both open to motorcycles, with Cisneros offering a challenging ATV route. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring or grate, and pedestal grill. Bear-proof food storage lockers are provided at each site, and campers must store all attractants properly under the active bear closure order.

Directions

From Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on I-25 to exit 74. Head west 18 miles on Highway 165. Turn into the south entrance at Lake Isabel, continue 1 mile, and follow signs to St. Charles Campground.